Review: Event Leviathan #2

I
hadn’t really read much of Brian Michael Bendis’ work until he began writing
for DC Comics. Sure, I read his Daredevil,
but that was several issues at a clip and with a far less critical eye. But I
am currently immersing myself in his storytelling techniques and seeing
patterns and observing a style. I like it, but sometimes it’s a little cryptic
for my tastes.

Thankfully,
despite all the intrigue of the Leviathan storyline, this chapter is dumbed
down enough to bring the more casual reader up to speed on developments. Though
I am somewhat puzzled by Plastic Man’s sudden inclusion among the DCU’s premier
investigators, as well as the Question. Last I knew, it was former Gotham
Police detective Reneé Montoya underneath that trench coat, but Alex Maleev
renders him as a distinct male in this chapter. Whatever, I’ll go with it. I
enjoyed this chapter too much to fret over it.

As
this chapter evolves, we are made privy to some of the conclusions of Batman
and his team of investigators – the Secret Six, if you will. They’re not named
as such, but I’d always hoped to see the concept revived, though not
necessarily with this team. I pictured some of the DCU’s supporting civilian
characters, such as Alfred Pennyworth, Eddie Fyers or Ron Troupe.

But
the target of their investigation is born from flimsy circumstantial evidence,
tied tenuously to one of the DCU’s more recent events. Some readers might
regard it as a legitimate fall out, but I consider it merely a convenient link
intended to mislead the gullible. Your mileage may vary, but it does provide a
nice wrinkle to the greater Leviathan storyline.